Pustertal cycle path
The green valley of South Tyrol
Impressive nature and fresh mountain air along the Pustertal cycle path.
The Pustertal cycle path, also known as the Ciclabile della Pusteria, is one of the most popular cycle paths in South Tyrol, Italy. This beautiful route runs along Pustertal in the Dolomites and leads through breathtaking alpine scenery, past charming villages, historic towns and sights.
The cycle path stretches from Mühlbach to Lienz in East Tyrol and follows the River Rienz. It has a total length of 105 kilometres and is mostly asphalted. With its low altitude difference of 500 metres, it is particularly suitable for beginners and families with children.
The Pustertal is a great destination for anyone who loves cycling and wants to experience the beauty of the South Tyrolean Alps. It is also a fantastic way to explore the region and its culture in a slower and more authentic way.
TOP sights along the Pustertal cycle path
CATHEDRAL OF BRESSANONE/BRIXEN
in Brixen
Brixen Cathedral is a Romanesque cathedral from the 13th century with an imposing façade and valuable art treasures, including the ‘Brixen Altarpiece’ by Michael Pacher. The nearby Hofburg is a historic bishop's palace with different architectural styles. Today, the Hofburg houses the Brixen Diocesan Museum, which exhibits religious art and cultural treasures. The two sights are closely linked and represent the rich history and culture of Bressanone/Brixen.
NEUSTIFT ABBEY
From a pilgrimage site to a meeting place for wine, culture and education. The Neustift abbey complex is one of the largest and most important in the Alpine region. The place of faith and culture is regarded as a place of power and is still dedicated to numerous topics such as religion, social affairs, culture and business. The juices, teas, wines and spirits produced here can be savoured in the monastery cellar.
FORTEZZA FORTRESS
Cultural exchange plays an important role in the Fortezza Fortress. Since the European Art Biennale in 2008 and the South Tyrolean Provincial Exhibition in 2009, the fortress has been the venue for various exhibitions and events. It is as big as 9 football pitches put together and can still be marvelled at today in its original state.
RIO PUSTERIA FORTRESS
Mühlbach
The medieval fortress Rio Pusteria Fortress was built in the 13th century and served as a defence structure against enemy attacks. The hermitage is well preserved and provides an insight into medieval fortress construction. Today it is a historical landmark and a popular tourist destination.
PEARL OF THE DOLOMITE LAKES
in the Hochpustertal
Pragser Wildsee Lake, also known as the ‘Pearl of the Dolomite Lakes’, is the largest natural lake in the Dolomites. It plays a particularly important role in South Tyrolean legends. It is said that one could reach the subterranean parts of the Kingdom of Fanes by boat. The buried gateway to the underworld is said to have been located at the southern end of the lake towards the Seekofel, where today the imposing Seekofel (2,810 metres above sea level) towers above Pragser Wildsee Lake. A lake tour on one of the nostalgic rowing boats is a great way to unwind in the picturesque scenery.
WELSPERG CASTLE
in Olang
Welsperg Castle, also known as Monguelfo Castle, is a historic fortress in Olang. It dates back to the 12th century and served as a defence structure. Today it is an impressive cultural heritage site that can be visited. The castle hosts art exhibitions and numerous concerts and festivals in summer.
FIRMIANO CASTLE
with Reinhold Messner Museum
An extensive castle complex near Bolzano dominates - coming from the Brenner Pass - the mouth of the Eisack river into the Adige. The ruins now house the fourth mountain museum of the South Tyrolean extreme mountaineer Reinhold Messner. The MMM (Messner Mountain Museum) was opened in the late medieval fortress in 2006.
THREE PEAKS VISIOR CENTER
in Toblach
The cultural centre provides an extremely fascinating insight into the cultural and natural landscape of the park, the events of the war and the development of tourism.
There are numerous opportunities for children in particular to explore these aspects in a playful way and with all their senses. These include, for example, an adventure workshop, an aquarium and a forest adventure trail behind the Nature Park House.
SCENIC MOUNTAIN LAKE
in Toblach
Lake Toblacher See is located near the village of Toblach. It is part of the Dolomites region and lies at an altitude of around 1,176 metres above sea level. Surrounded by a breathtaking alpine landscape, the lake is an impressive natural jewel and a popular tourist destination. Like Lake Pragser Wildsee, it is located in the Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park and can be circumnavigated on a leisurely cycle path.